This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Audi Q5 steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Audi Q5 have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Q5 (this page) | 3 |
| 2013 Q5 | 19 |
| 2014 Q5 | 17 |
| 2015 Q5 | 14 |
When does it fail?
Of the 3 steering complaints filed for the 2011 Audi Q5, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 9 model years of Audi Q5 we track for steering problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This TSB provides information regarding rotational and other steerihng wheel vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information for when the steering column adjustment does not work.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains repair information for when there is a creaking/squeaking from the steering column when steering slowly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Audi q5 94,000. I will never never buy Audi vehicle again. First started with oil leak, replaced valve cover gasket, then hood latch sensor (german genius). How in the world this bad sensor measures oil level. Rack and pinion leak, then timing cover gasket leak. Then my mechanic replaced driver side upper control arm. Now rear shock is bad. Already spent over $3000 fine, the worst issue I have…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Audi q5. While driving 30 MPH, the contact smelled a fuel odor. The contact pulled the vehicle over and shut off the engine. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but was unsuccessful and the check engine indicator illuminated. Also, the electric power steering warning message appeared. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The contact called the…
Had steering trouble with your 2011 Audi Q5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2011 Audi Q5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 91,625 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Audi/Q5.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.